§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions have been held with other signatory states to the Antarctic treaty regarding the siting of the secretariat; and if he will make a statement; [39877]
(2) what representations have been received from fellow signatories to the Antarctic treaty concerning the siting of the proposed secretariat: and if he will make a statement. [39881]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorI refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg) on 24 April 1995,Official Report, column 378.
The question of the location of the Antarctic treaty secretariat is raised periodically as part of our regular bilateral meetings with other Antarctic treaty parties.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken by his Department to control tourist access to Antarctica since the passage of the Antarctica Act 1994; and if he will make a statement. [39883]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe have continued to monitor the activities of all British expeditions, including tourist cruises, as required under article VII(5) of the Antarctic treaty.
Also, the necessary steps have been taken to bring into force from 1 November the provisions of the Antarctic Act 1994, with the exception of sections 3 to 7. We have made the Antarctic Regulations 1995, which will also come into force on 1 November. These regulations provide details for the issue of permits under the Act.